APM - Part 2 Chapter 2A
APM - Part 2 Chapter 2A
CHAPTER – 2A
1. Introduction
1.1 Rule 15 requires that no aircraft shall be flown unless the following conditions are complied
with, namely - the aircraft shall be certified as airworthy and maintained in airworthy
condition; all terms and conditions on which C of A was issued shall be duly complied with;
the aircraft shall carry on board its C of A and any other certificates prescribed by the rules;
the aircraft shall be fitted with and shall have in working order such instruments and
equipment as are prescribed for an aircraft of that class or description. Further, sub rule 5 of
Rule 50 of Aircraft Rule 1937 states that a certificate of airworthiness issued under this rule
shall be invalid unless the Director-General or an organisation approved under these rules,
carries out a review of compliance with applicable airworthiness standards and issues an
airworthiness review certificate.
1.2 This chapter details the procedures and guidelines to be followed by officers of
Airworthiness Directorate while processing the request for issue/ extension of Airworthiness
Review Certificate (ARC) in respect of an aircraft previously issued with C of A.
2. References:
Aircraft Rule 15, 50, 50A, 51, 52, 53, 53A, 54 and 55
Fee Rule 62
3. Procedure:
3.1 The detailed requirements for issuing ARC are explained in CAR, Section-2 Series-F, Part-III and
CAR-M. Application for issue of ARC of aircraft should be submitted by the applicant to
Airworthiness Office where the aircraft is based (RAO/SRAO). The checklist provided in
Appendix-I and II should be completed before issue/ extension of ARC.
3.2 On receipt of the application along with the necessary fees in accordance with Rule 62
and requisite documents, Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Office should commence
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work for issue/ extension of ARC. The regional/sub-regional airworthiness office for the
issue/ extension of ARC shall carry out:
(i) The application form should be reviewed to ensure all requested information is included
and accurate, the signatures are legitimate and the aircraft is registered. The information on
the form should be validated with the supporting documentation. The details required in an
application form for the issue/ extension of an ARC are given in CAR-M. The application
form should be carefully examined by the respective RAO/SRAO for the following:
(i) Valid C of R
(ii) Receipt of fees, as applicable
(iii) All required supporting documents
(i) In order to determine the approved configuration of the aircraft, the RAO/SRAO will start
from a known configuration (identified on the aircraft type certificate), for example, from
the configuration known from the issue of Certificate of Airworthiness or last ARC. The
RAO/SRAO will review the aircraft maintenance records to determine all changes that have
been incorporated on the aircraft.
(iii) All changes embodied on the aircraft should be approved by the AED, either by
recognition of those within the approved type certificate, or individually approved as
changes to the type certificate.
The RAO/SRAO will review the following to establish the history of the aircraft, the status of
the continuing airworthiness and the compliance of the documentation submitted since
issue/ extension of last ARC. A full documented review is a check of at least the following
categories of documents:
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a) registration papers
b) M.A.305 aircraft continuing airworthiness record system
c) M.A.306 aircraft technical log system
d) list of deferred defects, minimum equipment list and configuration deviation list if
applicable
e) aircraft flight manual including aircraft configuration
f) aircraft Maintenance programme
g) maintenance Data
h) relevant work packages
i) AD status
j) modification and SB status
k) modification and repair approval sheets
l) list of service life limited component
m) relevant DGCA Form 1 or equivalent
n) mass and balance report and equipment list
o) aircraft, engine and propeller TC Data Sheets
As a minimum, sample checks within each document category should be carried out.
Note— the RAO/SRAO can request any necessary documentation to substantiate the process
and review these documents for accuracy and validity.
(i) The applicant should make the aircraft available, at a time and place acceptable, for
checks and inspections considered necessary by the RAO/SRAO/Nominated Officer. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to provide personnel and equipment so that these checks and
inspections may be satisfactorily carried out. The Checklist(s) for carrying out the aircraft
inspection is attached at Appendix-II.
(ii) The RAO/SRAO/Nominated Officer will perform an exterior inspection to check that (but
not be limited to):
a) There is no damage to the fuselage, engines, propellers, wings, control surfaces and
landing gears;
b) Major repairs and modifications, if any, are recorded and accomplished in accordance
with the requirements of the State of Registry;
c) The aircraft, engines and propellers identification (data) plate are installed and
correspond to the identity of the aircraft, engines and propellers in their records;
e) The aircraft identification (data) plate corresponds to the identity of the aircraft, where
applicable.
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(iii) The RAO/SRAO/Nominated Officer will perform an interior inspection to check for (but
not be limited to):
b) Installation of the aircraft identification (data) plate and that it corresponds to the
identity of the aircraft, where applicable;
Note: The physical inspection could require actions categorized as maintenance (e.g.
operational tests, tests of emergency equipment, visual inspections requiring panel opening
etc.). In this case, after the airworthiness review a release to service should be issued in
accordance with CAR M.
3.3. In case of the CAMO having privilege for recommending DGCA for issuance of ARC, the
recommendation sent to DGCA should contain at least the items described below.
(f) Findings
- A list of all the findings made during the airworthiness review with the corrective action
carried out
(g) Statement
The above items should clearly state the exact reference of the data used in establishing
compliance; for instance the number and issue of the type certificate data sheet used should be
stated. The statement should also confirm that all of the above is properly entered and certified
in the aircraft continuing airworthiness record system and/or in the operator’s technical log.
4.2 Light aircraft could be inspected in two or three stages depending on convenience and also the
confidence built up by the Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Offices with the engineering
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setup of the particular operator. Each aircraft should be inspected whenever it is under major
Inspection. During inspection it must be ensured, that no unauthorized modifications have been
carried out. Modifications which have been approved and have been carried out must be in
accordance with the appropriate manuals.
4.3 The Rate of Climb of the aircraft, where applicable, observed during test flight should be
compared with previous Rate of climb value. In case of deterioration in performance, the causes
should be investigated and if necessary, a reference should be made to the manufacturer under
intimation to DGCA Hqrs.
4.4 During ARC issue / Extension, an applicable inspection as per the maintenance programme
approved by the Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Offices is to be carried out on the aircraft.
Additionally, ARC issue schedule may be prepared to include items such as Retraction of Landing
Gear, functioning of flight controls/ flaps, condition of placards, ELT check (Self test), generation
of warnings on various cockpit equipment, and condition of all safety equipment, operation
of emergency equipment and lights etc. as applicable
4.5 During ARC issue / Extension, the annual inspection on CVR and FDR, where applicable, must be
carried out in accordance with the relevant CARs on these equipment. It shall be ensured that
operator maintains up to date and sufficient documentation concerning FDR parameters
allocation, conversion equations, periodic calibrations and other serviceability and maintenance
information to ensure the serviceability of FDR and CVR.
4.6 It must also be ensured that time expired components are not reinstalled on the aircraft without
having been overhauled/repaired. Operator’s store should be checked at regular intervals to see
that the components in the stores, particularly in the bonded area are only approved, type
certified and proper records are available of such components.
4.7 Log books should be thoroughly checked for any entry regarding damage to the aircraft during
the operation in the year. It is emphasized that any overwriting should clearly indicate the
previous entry.
4.8 Inspection should be carried out in the area of landing gear attachment, wing attachments
and tail area to see if there is any evidence of heavy landing or accident. It should also be
ensured from the records that the operator has been carrying out regular checks of the aircraft
during the year. All schedules due have been timely carried out and certified. For reciprocating
engine aircraft, records of engine overhaul, compression check, oil consumption, fuel uplift, and
aircraft defect register etc. shall be scrutinized with a view to observe any abnormality.
4.9 Special care should be given to major repairs having been carried out on the aircraft to ensure
that the repairs are in accordance with the approved data have been carried out by competent
persons and in an approved manner using approved materials. Where repairs have been carried
out inspection panels should be opened and inside of the repairs thoroughly inspection in case
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there is doubt.
4.10 Communication Radio/and Navigation checks should be carried out in the presence of the
officers to ensure correct functioning and satisfactory operation.
4.11 During the course of inspection of an aircraft for ARC issue / Extension, there is a probability
that an operator is not able to comply with all the requirements applicable to the aircraft at the
time of ARC issue / Extension. The ARC shall not be issued or extended in case an AD or
modification / repairs affecting safety has not been complied with. Any other item of emergency
like first aid kit, fire extinguishers, life jackets, life vests, escape slides have to be on board and no
relaxations should be granted in such cases. However, certain requirements which may not affect
the safety immediately for which the operator has got a genuine difficulty in complying with due
to non-availability of spares, any special tool not available, the ARC may be issued for which the
operator should be intimated in writing that these requirements must be complied with within a
definite time limit. Heads of Regional/Sub-Regional Airworthiness Offices may grant such
relaxations up to 45 days provided the operator has been able to show that he has placed the
order for the spares and they have not arrived or there are certain circumstances beyond his
control. Weighing of aircraft could also be deferred where the facility for weighing is not readily
available or the weighing scales are not calibrated or serviceable. This requirement could also be
given a time limit for compliance but should not exceed three months. However, where there is a
doubt that the CG has shifted appreciably due to some major modification, replacement of part,
change of engine etc., no relaxation should be granted and the aircraft has to be weighed and CG
determined before the C of A / ARC could be issued.
(b) An aircraft must not fly if the airworthiness certificate is invalid or if:
1. The continuing airworthiness of the aircraft or any component fitted to the aircraft does
not meet the requirements of CAR-M, or;
2. The aircraft does not remain in conformity with the type design approved/ accepted by
DGCA; or
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3. The aircraft has been operated beyond the limitations of the approved flight manual or the
airworthiness certificate, without appropriate action being taken; or
4. The aircraft has been involved in an accident or incident that affects the airworthiness of
the aircraft, without subsequent appropriate action to restore airworthiness; or
5. A modification or repair has not been approved in accordance with M.A.304.
(c) Upon surrender or revocation, the airworthiness review certificate shall be returned to
DGCA.
(d) In case of leased aircraft, the period of validity of airworthiness review certificate shall be
restricted to the date of validity of certificate of registration.
(e) The maximum validity of the ARC shall be 12 months from the date of expiry of the previous
expiry date.
Note: The aircraft shall not fly on the date mentioned in the ARC as the “Date of Expiry”
6.1 ARC in respect of an aircraft will be issued by the officers authorized by the Ministry under the
delegation of powers [SO-726(E)] and under no circumstances it will be signed by an officiating
officer or an officer looking after the current duties of higher rank.
6.3 The office file of the aircraft should be completed in all respect and shall contain all necessary
documents such as application for ARC issue, enclosures of the work performed on the aircraft
and certificates issued by the operator and the MRO, filled up check lists etc. etc. On completion
of the work, the file must be submitted to the head of the regional office / Sub regional office
for his information. The aircraft files are liable to be produced to the Inquiry Officers/ Court of
Inquiries in case of accident. Pages should be correctly marked and all the receipts, issues
placed in the correct order. Wherever any relaxation etc. has been granted, it should be
communicated in writing.
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Note: It must be ensured that ARC Records are maintained on original file and not on part
file. In the event file is located at other regional office, it must be ensured that prior to ARC
issue / Extension the file is available in the office where ARC issue / Extension is being carried
out.
6.4 Head of Regional Office should ensure that verbal concessions and permissions may not be
resorted to. Where the operator specifically requests for a dispensation from a requirement,
the same may be considered and if feasible, granted in writing and acknowledgement
obtained from the operators for record.
6.5 A report on the ARC issue shall be sent to the DGCA Headquarters as per the proforma given
in Appendix-III immediately after the ARC issue.
7. Check List(s) for issue of ARC is placed at Appendix-I and II.
8. Record Keeping:
(i) The DAW (Region) and DAW (Hqrs) will establish a system to maintain records of all
documents generated and received. It may be ensured that all related records are maintained
in chronological manner and all the pages are appropriately numbered. Traceability of all
records should be ensured for future reference. The following records must be available in the
aircraft file –
(ii) Records relating applications and supporting documents for issue/extension of ARC.
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APPENDIX-I
1. AIRCRAFT DETAILS:
a) the airframe, engine and propeller flying hours and associated flight cycles have been properly
recorded, and;
b) the flight manual is applicable to the aircraft configuration and reflects the latest revision status, and;
c) all the maintenance due on the aircraft according to the approved maintenance program has been
carried out, and;
d) all known defects have been corrected or, when applicable, carried forward in a controlled manner, and;
e) all applicable airworthiness directives have been applied and properly registered, and;
f) all service life limited components installed on the aircraft are properly identified, registered and have
not exceeded their approved service life limit, and;
g) the current mass and balance statement reflects the configuration of the aircraft and is valid, all the
weight growth during the period has been recorded and included, if applicable. The applicable Load &
Trim Sheet is prepared and approved as per latest weight schedule of the aircraft, and;
h) the aircraft complies with the latest revision of its type design as included in the latest TCDS rev. no.
____________________, Dated_______________ Approved by ________________________.
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2.2 A physical survey of the aircraft has been carried out by the undersigned and it is confirmed that:
2.3 I hereby certify that based on the satisfactory/unsatisfactory* result of my investigation, Certificate of
Airworthiness (C of A) / ARC / Export C of A is issued/not issued* by the undersigned.
ARC No. ______________________________ (Form 15a) valid for 12 months w.e.f. __________ up
to and including _______
1.10
C of A for Export issue date :
1.11 Ensure accomplished AD’s are recorded in the Aircraft Log Book.
Date of last shop visit. Correctly recorded data shall be in log book:
No. 1
5.7 No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
Date last life limited parts list updated and recorded in engine log
book:
No. 1
5.11
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
8.8 Fuel and oil data are correctly recorded and certified.
9. Findings:
Item Findings
10. Comments:
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1. Aircraft Registration :
2. Aircraft Type/Model :
3. Serial Number :
4. Date of survey :
Location :
5. Registered Owner/Operator*:
General Airframe:
General Power-plant:
Note: Accompany a CAR-145 AME / CRS Signatory during this part of aircraft physical survey.
INTERIOR INSPECTION
EXTERIOR INSPECTION
Inspect the landing gear and wheel well areas for the following:
4. Tire condition
8. Corrosion
12. Installation of aircraft identification data plate and owners name plate
correspond to the identity of the aircraft
13. Confirmation from the operator that the identification plates are
made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical
properties and secured to the aircraft in a prominent position near the
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main entrance.
10. Access door, inspection panels, and blowout panels (missing, loose, or
improperly secured)
Findings:
Item Findings
Comments:
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Appendix-II
PART-I
1. AIRCRAFT DETAILS:
2.1 A full documented review of the aircraft records have been carried out by the undersigned and it is
confirmed that:
a) the airframe, engine and propeller flying hours and associated flight cycles have been properly
recorded, and;
b) the flight manual is applicable to the aircraft configuration and reflects the latest revision status, and;
c) all the maintenance due on the aircraft according to the approved maintenance program has been
carried out, and;
d) all known defects have been corrected or, when applicable, carried forward in a controlled manner, and;
e) all applicable airworthiness directives have been applied and properly registered, and;
f) all service life limited components installed on the aircraft are properly identified, registered and have
not exceeded their approved service life limit, and;
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g) the current mass and balance statement reflects the configuration of the aircraft and is valid, All the
weight growth during the period has been recorded and included, if applicable. The applicable Load &
Trim Sheet is prepared and approved as per latest weight schedule of the aircraft, and;
h) the aircraft complies with the latest revision of its type design as included in the latest TCDS rev. No.
____________________, Dated_______________ Approved by ________________________.
2.2 A physical survey of the aircraft has been carried out by the undersigned and it is confirmed that:
2.3 I hereby certify that based on the satisfactory/unsatisfactory* result of my investigation, Certificate of
Airworthiness (C of A) / ARC / Export C of A is issued/not issued* by the undersigned.
ARC No. ________ (Form 15a/15b*) valid for 12 months w.e.f. __________ up to and including _______
1.10
C of A for Export issue date :
1.11 Ensure accomplished AD’s are recorded in the Aircraft Log Book.
Date of last shop visit. Correctly recorded data shall be in log book:
5.7 No. 1
No. 2
Date last life limited parts list updated and recorded in engine log
book:
5.11
No. 1
No. 2
Tail P/N:
8.8 Fuel and oil data are correctly recorded and certified.
9. Record Storage:
Ensure records are stored in a safe way with regard to fire, flood,
9.1
insects and theft.
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10. Findings:
Item Findings
11. Comments
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1. Aircraft Registration :
2. Aircraft Type/Model :
3. Serial Number :
4. Date of survey :
Location :
5. Registered Owner/Operator*:
General Airframe:
General Power-plant:
Note: Accompany a CAR-145 AME / CRS Signatory during this part of aircraft physical survey.
INTERIOR INSPECTION
Fuselage Inspection:
4. Landing gear
a. Forward cross tube and cap fittings for condition,
corrosion, and security of attachment.
b. Aft cross tube, cap fittings, and wear strips for condition,
corrosion, and security of attachment.
c. Aft cross tube support beam for wear, cracks, damage,
corrosion, and security of attachment.
d. Skid tubes and skid shoes for condition, corrosion, and
security of attachment.
e. Fuselage supports for wear, damage, and security of
attachment.
f. If installed, forward cross tube crew step fittings for
corrosion, damage, and security in area of attachment.
g. Tail skid for deformation and security of attachment.
h. Emergency float reservoir pressure indicator for proper
charge indication (if installed).
i. Floats for proper stowage and condition (if installed).
5. Landing light and searchlight for condition and security
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8. Crew seats:
a. Seats for condition, security, and proper operation.
b. Cushions and backs for cleanliness, excessive
deterioration, and tears.
c. Crew seat restraint assemblies for condition, security, and
proper operation.
d. Crew seat attenuator for compression; inspect witness
line. If line is not visible, repair attenuator assembly.
9. Passenger seats:
a. Seats for condition and security.
b. Cushions and backs for cleanliness, excessive
deterioration, and tears.
c. Passenger seat restraint assemblies for condition, security,
and proper operation.
10. Instruments:
a. Instrument panel for cleanliness.
b. All instrument, placards, decals, and markings for
appearance and legibility.
c. Check magnetic compass for condition and security.
d. All compass cards for validity.
11. Avionics and electrical equipment:
a. Pedestal mounted avionics/electrical equipment for
condition, cleanliness, and security.
b. Overhead console for condition, cleanliness, and security.
c. All instrument lights, integrally lit panels, secondary lights,
and map lights for serviceability.
d. All caution and warning lights for proper operation by
using master caution, fire test, and baggage compartment
smoke detector press to test functions.
e. Landing and search lights for condition and security.
f. Navigation and anti-collision lights for collision and
security.
g. Operationally check cabin heater system, bleed air shutoff,
and line check valve.
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13. Miscellaneous furnishings (map and data case, first aid kit, and
emergency equipment) for condition and security.
or gaskets
10. Engine cowling for missing fasteners and cracks. Latches for
proper operation.
Fuselage Aft/Tail boom Attachment:
Item Findings
Comments:
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Appendix-III
Proforma for Intimation of Issue/ Extension of ARC
Part-1
Name of Operator
Type of Aircraft
Aircraft MSN
No. of engine(s)
Validity of C of R
ARC No.
Date of Issue
Date of Expiry
Part-2
Aircraft Hours at the time of ARC